
When you come from places where the odds are stacked against you, art becomes more than expression — it becomes a lifeline. That’s exactly what Payroll represents for two artists on a relentless mission: one from the streets of Augusta, Georgia, and the other from Fresno, California. Together, they’ve fused their real-life experiences into a gritty, triumphant track that speaks for anyone who’s ever had to grind just to get by.
In Augusta, life was cutthroat. “You either sold drugs or did them,” the Georgia native says, reflecting on the harsh realities of his upbringing. “I watched my family struggle. Music was my only way out.” Across the map in Fresno, RobDogg found similar truths. The two connected over a mutual hunger, a shared pain, and a dedication to telling their story the only way they know how — through music.
Their new single Payroll is more than a track — it’s a declaration of survival. RobDogg brought the beat and hook, and by the next day, his partner Rkc came back with a verse that completed the narrative. The message is clear: the hustle is real, the stakes are high, and every dollar earned comes from sacrifice and sweat.
Their sound is shaped by legends like OutKast, Tupac, Biggie, Jay-Z, N.W.A., Trick Daddy, and T.I. — a wide array of artists who mastered the art of storytelling. “There’s something about the old school,” they explain. “It wasn’t just music, it was their truth. That’s what we aim to do — keep it real and tell our story.”
And that story has already earned recognition. Their visual for Payroll won “Video of the Year” at the First Annual Benge TV Awards — a moment that marked a milestone in their journey. But they’re quick to say it’s just the beginning.
With an upcoming appearance at the Kendrick Lamar and SZA Fan Fest in San Francisco and a chance to be featured in Rolling Stone through the Next Hitmakers contest, the momentum is real. Their next single Fck Em and Feed Em is already in the works, promising even more heat from a team that shows no signs of slowing down.
“We’ve put our blood, sweat, and tears into this,” they say. “We know our goal, and we’re going to get there.”
Watch the official video for “Payroll” here:
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